Nancy Louise Schaffer

She is lovingly survived by her devoted son, Zack Schaffer; her sister, Rose Barg; her brother, David Antunez; and her beloved partner, Dan Jacobs. She also leaves behind countless friends whose lives were brighter because of her presence.

Born in Acapulco, Mexico, on November 17, 1961, to Maximiliano Antunez and Betty Jo Bliss, Nancy carried within her the warmth and beauty of her coastal hometown. From a young age, she felt most at peace in nature, whether hiking or sitting quietly at her cherished Acapulco Bay, where the ocean seemed to reflect her depth and strength.

She attended The McGregor in Las Américas for her grade school and high school years before moving to Houston, Texas, at the age of 18. There, she pursued her passion for beauty and creativity by studying Interior Design at San Jacinto College and later built a successful career as a personal decorator, bringing elegance and comfort into the homes of many.

In 1984, she married attorney Kent Schaffer, and together they welcomed two children, Maxie and Zack. While she found professional success, nothing compared to the love she had for her children. They were the center of her world. She chose to work at Poe Elementary and Lanier Middle School so she could remain close to them, always placing motherhood above all else.

Nancy later served as an International Sales Manager at Grocers Supply, where she traveled throughout Central and South America, building relationships and expanding international markets. She approached her career with the same determination and grace that defined every part of her life.

For most of her life, Nancy bravely battled Von Hippel-Lindau disease. In 2016, she endured a major brain surgery that left her partially immobile. Yet even in the face of immense physical challenges, her spirit remained unshaken. With remarkable courage and unwavering determination, she refused to let her illness define her life. She continued to travel often in the US, to Mexico, and even to Brittany, where she explored old cobblestoned streets in her wheelchair. She continued to embrace the outdoors she loved so dearly, trekking the mountains of New Mexico with Dan, even with the assistance of a walker - a testament to her resilience and fearless heart.

After an eight-year battle and numerous brain surgeries, Nancy gently closed her eyes and entered eternal rest.

Her legacy is one of extraordinary strength, fierce love, perseverance, and grace. She remained unbroken to the end. She taught those around her how to endure with dignity, how to love deeply, and how to live each day fully, even in the face of adversity. She was also famous for her kindness, her caring for others, and her ability to manifest friendships.

Nancy will be remembered not for her illness, but for her radiant spirit, her courage, and the immeasurable love she gave so freely.